Shillong, August 1: Nongstoin police have arrested a 22-year-old man within 24 hours of an alleged attack on a couple that resulted in the death of the husband, injuries to the wife and the alleged abduction of their 18-year-old daughter in West Khasi Hills district.
The accused has been identified as Koldingstar Thongni, who allegedly attacked 60-year-old Elbin Kharbani and his wife, Seldaris Kharsyntiew, at around 2 am on Friday at Mawrok Porsohsat village.
Speaking to the media, West Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police H.P. Kharkongor said the accused was arrested at Nongstoin market at around 8 pm on July 31 following an intensive search operation by police in collaboration with members of the VDPNCA.
According to the SP, during interrogation, the accused allegedly confessed to having gone to the victim’s house at night and attempting to forcibly enter the premises. He allegedly cut electrical wires before entering the house and assaulting the couple. Elbin Kharbani succumbed to his injuries, while Seldaris Kharsyntiew is currently undergoing treatment at NEIGRIHMS in Shillong.
The SP further stated that after allegedly assaulting the couple, the accused took their youngest daughter to a forested area near Syllei-Iawkhein village, close to Mawrok Porsohsat. At around 3 pm on Friday, the 18-year-old managed to escape while the accused was reportedly asleep and immediately returned home.
Kharkongor said the accused was reportedly the estranged husband of the 18-year-old’s mother. Preliminary investigation suggested that the alleged attack was linked to his anger over the couple’s refusal to allow him to live with them and their youngest daughter.
Police have also collected evidence and recovered the alleged weapon used in the attack, which reportedly points to the accused’s involvement in the crime. A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and the investigation is ongoing. Police also informed that Koldingstar Thongni is reportedly involved in cases registered at other police stations in different districts.
